My brothers quite often have family competitions about how manly they are – these competitions involve dress sense, sprinting, sociability, and culminated in a “Man-Decathlon” last summer.

One of the more recent conversations regarding this topic was prominence of facial hair – density and colouring seemed vital aspects.The Orchard boys are quite renowned for being less than hirsute.

A few days later one brother commented on that hair on my chin and remarked that I’ll “get there” with my own facial hair. He only has an inkling that I’m trans, and meant it as a joke, but I smiled and thought,”yes, I am well on my way to competing with them…”.

My facial hair is certainly darker than his blonde stubble.

Sibling rivalry at it’s finest.

TRANSCRIPT:

Panel 1:

Sam: (A person wearing a blue, collared shirt, who’s eyes are looking directly at the viewer, with raised eyebrows, and an open mouth with upturned corners. One arm is bent up at the elbow, with the index finger pointing at Sam’s own face) The other day I discovered a hair on my chin. It was dark and long and manly.

Panel 2:

Sam: (Eyes looking up and eyebrows raised. Mouth is open, with slightly upturned corners. Arms are crossed.) I’m sure it got there by sheer willpower.

Panel 3:

Sam: (Eyes are looking up, and to the side. Eyebrows are raised, mouth is open, with slightly upturned corners. Arms are bent horizontally at the elbows, one palm is facing upwards, the other index finger is pointing at said palm) So, if I can grow one hair every twenty-five years, by the time I’m fifty I’ll…

Here in Minnesota, there is a drag king / transguy dance troupe called “Get Bent!” Last month, they did a big group dance number to “Beard Lust,” and they all wore insane neon pink mustaches and beards. It was pretty much the best show I’ve ever seen in my life.